Things to Do in New York City

Choose from 159 Fun Things to Do in New York City

Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle, New York City’s only traffic circle, is indeed named for Christopher Columbus. The monument was erected on the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in America. His statue rises tall on a column at the center of the busy street circle. It is the place which all official distances in New York City are measured from.

Aside from its key role in directing New York’s traffic, it stands at the base of Time Warner Center. The glass skyscraper is home to the Time Warner corporation’s headquarters and is one of the city’s best shopping centers. It also contains the Jazz at Lincoln Center and New York’s CNN offices. Central Park is only footsteps away — in fact, the circle was initially designed as a grand entrance to the famous park. Grass, plants, trees, benches, and fountains were added to the circle in 2005, giving it a more park-like appearance itself.

Practical Info

Columbus Circle is situated at the intersection of Eighth Avenue, Broadway, , Central Park West, and Central Park South (West 59th Street.) An entrance to Central Park is nearby. The closest Subway station is 59th Street - Columbus Circle.

Columbus Cir, New York City, New York, USA, USA

From $ 15

Carnegie Hall

Located at 881 Seventh Avenue in Midtown West, Carnegie Hall is a prestigious concert venue known for being an important cultural institution as well as a space where many notable musicians were able to break out. Opened in 1891, it is the place where Judy Garland made an album that won five Grammys in 1961, Benny Goodman elevated the status of swing music and produced one of history’s greatest-selling jazz albums in 1938, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., gave his last major public address of all time in 1968. Today, Carnegie Hall puts on about 250 high-quality classical and popular music performances each season. The architecture is another draw to the attraction, as it is one of the city’s last large buildings built entirely of masonry without a steel frame. Moreover, its Italian Renaissance design, eclectic international accents, intricate carvings, brick-insulated walls and high-ceilings allow for an elegant space with first-rate acoustics.

Along with seeing the show and touring the building visitors can peruse the Rose Museum, which tells the story of Carnegie Hall’s history and showcases artifacts like photographs, concert programs, manuscripts and more. There is also a gift shop selling souvenirs like apparel, posters, CDs, DVDs and books.

Ticket prices vary by show, although you can tour the building without seeing a performance. To reach Carnegie Hall by subway, take the N, Q, R to 57th Street-Seventh Avenue; F to 57th Street; B, D, E to Seventh Avenue.

881 Seventh Ave, New York, NY, USA

Prices vary per event

From $ 68

Chelsea Piers

History, recreation and leisure come together at Chelsea Piers, a group of four historic piers on the Hudson River. Some of the most famous ocean-going liners tied up at these docks, including the Lusitania; but these days Chelsea Piers is making waves as an entertainment and sports activities precinct.

You can have a go at more than 30 different sports at Chelsea Piers. Tee off with a round of golf at the Golf Club, work out in the Sports Center health club, go ice skating at the Sky Rink, play football or basketball in the Field House, or join in a game of ten-pin bowling at 300 New York.

You’ll also find an indoor rock-climbing range, gymnastics facilities, a day spa, dance studios, and a training facility for elite athletes.

Practical Info

On Manhattan's West Side, Chelsea Piers are entered at W 23rd Street and 11th Avenue. It's a long walk from the nearest subway at 32rd Street, so you might want to take a taxi. You’ll be dropped at Pier 61 or 60 on the Chelsea Piers Access Roadway.

62 Chelsea Piers, 10011, USA

Open daily

Admission varies

From $ 48

Chrysler Building

One of New York City’s most recognizable and distinct skyscrapers, the Chrysler Building is considered a masterpiece of art deco architecture. The tallest building in the world when it debuted in 1930, it was soon surpassed by the Empire State Building. Today, however, the Chrysler Building remains the world's loftiest brick building.

The Basics

The Chrysler Building is visible from all over town, but there are a number ways to get a firsthand look at the landmark. Visit as part of an architecture- or photography-themed walking tour, or zip by on a coach or driving tour of Manhattan’s highlights.

The skyscraper can also be spotted from the air on a helicopter tour, or from the water’s edge on a boat tour. While the Chrysler Building does not have an observation deck, visitors can freely tour its lobby, where an elaborate mural by artist Edward Trumbull decorates the ceiling.

Things to Know Before You Go

While the Chrysler Building’s lobby is open to visitors, the rest of the building is off-limits to tourists.
A helicopter tour or the Empire State Building’s observation deck provides the best perspectives of the Chrysler Building.
Renowned as an icon of art deco design, the Chrysler Building is a must for architecture buffs.

How to Get There

Conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Chrysler Building is very accessible. The landmark is a short walk from Grand Central Terminal and Times Square; both transit hubs offer connections with numerous subway and bus lines, plus the Metro-North Railroad. Traveling by taxi is another simple way to explore.

When to Get There

The Chrysler Building is an iconic, year-round landmark that can be visited and enjoyed in every season. The lobby is open from 10am–6pm, Monday–Friday, excluding public holidays.

Chrysler Building’s Exterior

True to name, the Chrysler Building was the headquarters for Chrysler for several decades. If you look closely, you’ll discover hubcaps, fenders, and other automotive flourishes incorporated into its façade. Then, there are its famous, eagle-shaped gargoyles, inspired by the brand’s hood ornaments.

405 Lexington Avenue, 10174, USA

Free

From $ 19

Cafe Wha?

Located at 115 MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village, Cafe Wha? is a historic bar known for being the career birthplace of many well-known musicians and comedians. Open since the 1950s, some artists who consider Cafe Wha? a home include Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce, Bill Crosby and Peter, Paul & Mary, to name a few. Although it’s gone through many changes over the years, you can expect high energy music in an informal atmosphere every night of the week. In 1987, the Cafe Wha? House Band was employed, and are now known throughout the world and regularly feature celebrity guest performers. You can hear them live Wednesday through Sunday, playing everything from Motown to Reggae to Alternative Rock and more. On Monday nights you’ll hear Brazooka, a Brazilian dance band incorporating elements of Jazz and Samba, while Tuesdays are a mix of soul, R&B and Funk with Disfunktion. While the house bands play every night at 9:30pm, you can check their calendar for talented guests to go on beforehand. Although the drinks tend to be overpriced and there is usually a cover charge, you will be guaranteed a good show of eclectic music. Moreover, the venue features an extensive bar menu with delicious appetizers, salads, burgers, entrees and desserts.

Cafe Wha? Is open daily from 8:30pm, except for Mondays when it opens at 9pm. Reservations are recommended. Cover charges are $10 on Mondays and Tuesdays, $5 on Thursdays, $12 on Fridays, $15 on Saturdays and free to enter on Wednesdays and Sundays. To get to Cafe Wha? by subway take the A, B, C, D, E, F, M to W 4th Street, or the 1, 2 to Christopher Street- Sheridan Square or Houston Street.

115 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, USA

Mon-Sun 8:30pm - 3:00am

Prices vary per event

From $ 35

Ellis Island

New York City’s Ellis Island was America’s busiest immigrant inspection station for more than 60 years, from 1892 to 1954. As the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States, it processed more than 50 percent of the nation’s current ancestors. Today the island’s restored main building houses the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, part of the adjacent Statue of Liberty National Monument. The museum honors the US’s immigrant heritage, chronicles the island’s role in immigration history, and gives voice to the immigrants themselves.

The Basics

The Ellis Island immigration station’s original wooden building burned in 1897. Following its restoration in the 1980s, the red-brick building was redone in the French Renaissance style and reopened as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. A 45-minute self-guided audio tour leads visitors through exhibits including photos, films, archive material, and recordings. Additional audio tour options describe exhibits in more detail via in-depth interviews with historians, architects, and archaeologists. Visitors can book a private tour of Ellis Island to maximize their experience and understanding of the sight, or a combo tour of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Things to Know Before You Go

The 45-minute audio tour is available in nine languages and included in the cost of a ferry ticket.
An audio tour for kids aged 6 to 10 is also available in five languages.
Pro tip: Ellis Island can be seen up close, for free, from the deck of the Staten Island commuter ferry (though passengers can’t get off at Ellis Island).
Ellis Island and ferries to it are fully accessible.

How to Get There

Ellis Island lies off the southwest tip of Manhattan. To visit Ellis Island from New York City, catch a Statue Cruises ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. The first ferry stop is the Statue of Liberty, followed by Ellis Island. The closest subway stations to Battery Park are South Ferry (1 train), Whitehall Street (R train), or Bowling Green (4 or 5 train); the M5, M15, and M20 buses stop as South Ferry as well.

When to Get There

Weather permitting, Ellis Island is open every day of the year except December 25. Ferries run from 9:30am to 3:30pm, with later departures in the summer and around holidays. Once on the island, you can stay until the last ferry departs, which changes seasonally.

Portraits at the Museum

Ellis Island hosts a number of temporary exhibits. Past highlights include New Americans: Photographs by Jill Enfield, featuring 30 wet collodion photographic prints of contemporary immigrant portraits. There is also a small glass house of immigrant portraits made from antique windows that Ellis Island visitors can enter.

Ellis Island, 10004, USA

Open every day except Dec 25. Visiting hours are dependent on ferry schedules.

Entrance is free, although visitors must purchase ferry tickets.

From $ 18

Catskills

Whether you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a weekend or want to immerse yourself in outdoor adventure, antique shops and B&Bs, the Catskills provide an excellent destination choice. Made up of Greene, Delaware, Sullivan and Ulster Counties, the Catskills' regions each come with their own unique offerings. If you're coming from New York City, the closest county is Ulster, which includes the famous eclectic arts town of Woodstock and is full of hiking trails and nature areas such as Catskills Park and the Shawangunk Mountains.

In Sullivan County, spend some time kayaking and fishing on the Delaware River, or play a few rounds of golf at the Concord Resort & Golf Club. Expert tip: Make sure to stop in the Dancing Cat Saloon and Catskills Distilling Company for some unusual spirits (think buckwheat-based "whiskey"), as well as a menu of spirits-infused food. If you're looking for mountains and skiing, Greene County has Belleayre Mountain, Windham Mountain and Hunter Mountain, home to one of the world's highest and longest ziplines. And in Delaware, the farthest Catskills area from NYC, antique shops fill the towns and rural landscapes are prevalent. This is a popular area for hunting, fishing and bird-watching, with over 200 species to look out for.

Practical Info

For the best Catskills experience, rent a car and spend some time in each county. The trip is about 90 minutes from New York City and allows you to explore the many varied experiences of the destination. If you must take public transportation, you can take Amtrak, Shortline Bus or Adirondack/Pine Hill Trailways right into the Catskills.

New York, USA

From $ 125

Conservatory Garden

The Conservatory Garden, located within Central Park, is a serene escape from the fast-paced urban life of Manhattan. It takes its name from a conservatory that stood on site until 1934 but is now a collection of fountains, sculptures and pathways through landscaped lanes.

Spread across six acres, the garden is divided into three distinct areas influenced by French, Italian and English styles. It is also a designated “quiet zone” that has become known as almost a secret garden to many. The area is free of runners, bicyclists and dogs, and is a popular place for weddings. The garden has two massive seasonal floral displays: tulips in the spring and chrysanthemums in the fall. Whether you’re strolling through the hedges and flower displays or relaxing on a bench with a book, the Conservatory Garden is a colorful place of calm, natural beauty meant to be savored.

Practical Info

The Conservatory Garden is located within Central Park on the east side and runs from 104th to 106th Street. The main entrance is through the Vanderbilt Gate on Fifth Avenue between 104th and 105th streets. It is open from 8 a.m. until dusk.

5th Ave and 105th St., New York City, New York 10029, USA

Daily 8 a.m.-dusk

From $ 120

Central Park Zoo

Central Park Zoo, also known as Central Park Wildlife Center, is a small but popular zoo set within Central Park, Manhattan’s largest green space. The zoo houses a varied collection of creatures, from snow leopards to sea lions, as well as the Tisch Children’s Zoo, a petting zoo with farm animals.

The Basics

While many tours of New York City’s Central Park are available, from walking and running tours to sunset, bike, and pedicab tours, most do not include entry to the zoo. You may, however, be able to glimpse the sea lions during these tours, whose enclosure can be seen from outside the zoo’s perimeter.

To enter the zoo, buy a general admission ticket at the door and explore the main zoo and the Tisch Children’s Zoo at your leisure. Alternatively, purchase a package ticket online before arrival. This ticket offers discounted entry to the main zoo, the Tisch Children’s Zoo, and one entry to the zoo’s 4D Theater, which uses air blasts, lighting, water mists, vibrations, and other sensory tricks to enhance the experience.

Things to Know Before You Go

Central Park Zoo is a must for families.
Leave scooters, bikes, rollerblades, selfie sticks, and balloons at home, as they are not allowed within the zoo.
Wi-Fi is available at the zoo.
Many of the zoo’s exhibits, including the penguin and sea lion habitats and the 4D Theater, are wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

Parking is expensive in NYC so it’s best to use public transit instead. The N, R, and Q trains all stop at Fifth Avenue–59th Street station, a few blocks from the zoo entrance on 64th Street. The No. 6 train also stops at 68th Street–Hunter College station, which is about a 10-minute walk away.

When to Get There

Spring and summer weekends are the busiest time at the zoo. Come in fall or winter to experience the zoo at its calmest. Time your visit to coincide with one of the twice-daily penguin feedings (10:30am and 2:30pm) and thrice-daily sea lion feedings (11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm) to see these animals at their most active.

Other Things to Do in Central Park

While you’re in Central Park, consider taking some time to explore the rest of the 843-acre (341-hectare) space. Pay homage to the late, great John Lennon at a memorial honoring the murdered musician, sunbathe on Sheep Meadow, and go boating on the Central Park Lake. During summer, the park hosts outdoor entertainment events, from open-air concerts to Shakespeare in the Park.

64th St and 5th Ave, New York City, New York, USA 10021, USA

Varies

From $ 15

Daily News Building

Soaring 476 feet and 37 stories over Midtown, this 1930 Art Deco skyscraper was originally built for The New York Daily News, a still-popular tabloid newspaper which made its headquarters here until 1995. Architecturally significant for its trendsetting vertical stripes of windows and flat, non-ornamented top level, the building, designed by Raymond Mead and John Mead Howells (architects of the nearby Rockefeller Center) was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989.

The model for the Daily Planet building in the Superman movie franchise, the Daily News Building features the world’s largest indoor globe in its lobby, as well a collection of vintage weather instruments. An addition was built on the building’s east side in 1958, designed by Wallace Harrison and Max Abramowitz, then one of America’s premier architectural firms.

This iconic building is now home to Manhattan’s local CW affiliate, WPIX TV-Channel 11, as well as the Omnicom Group, one of the world’s largest and most influential advertising and marketing firms, and offices for a variety of initiatives affiliated with the United Nations. The New York Daily News is still in print and online, but its headquarters are now found at 4 New York Plaza on the lower East Side of Manhattan, near Battery Park.

Practical Info:

The closest subway station is 42nd Street/Grand Central, served by the 4,5,6 and 7 Trains. The adjacent bus station is served by the M1, M2, M3 and M4 Buses. The building is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.

4 New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004, USA

Open weekdays from 9am - 5pm

From $ 35

Chelsea Market

Set inside the former cookie factory where Oreos were first baked, the Chelsea Market has a long culinary heritage. Since being redeveloped in the 1990s, it has become a leading food and shopping complex, housing everything from wine bars and fishmongers to kitchen supply stores, as well as offices and television studios.

The Basics

Chelsea Market is an ideal spot for a browse and a wander, with an eclectic range of food purveyors, sit-down restaurants, and shops to explore. While exploring, admire the market’s tasteful redevelopment, which incorporated aspects of the building’s industrial heritage, such as exposed piping and metalwork, into the design.

Visitors can explore Chelsea Market on walking tours of Lower Manhattan, which typically focus on neighborhoods such as Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, Greenwich Village, the West Village, and SoHo. The market also features as a stop-off on tours of New York’s High Line, an elevated park set on a old railway track; NYC food tours; and sightseeing coach tours, which cover attractions in Uptown, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan.

Things to Know Before You Go

Chelsea Market is a must for foodies hoping to sample some of NYC’s finest food vendors.
Restrooms can be found in the market.
Most vendors in the market accept credit cards.
Chelsea Market is wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrances at both Ninth Avenue and 10th Avenue.

How to Get There

Chelsea Market is situated on Ninth Avenue, between 15th and 16th streets, in New York’s Meatpacking District. The subway stop 14th Street/8th Avenue, which is served by the A, E, and L trains, is just a 5-minute walk from the market’s Ninth Avenue entrance.

When to Get There

Arrive hungry as food is the market’s main attraction. The market is busiest during lunchtime (around 12pm–3pm), so come in early morning or evening to avoid the longest lines.

What to Eat, Drink, and Buy at Chelsea Market

Eating at Chelsea Market is a real treat, with a seemingly endless array of snack, dining, and food shopping options. Longstanding market favorites include Ninth Street Espresso, a coffee aficionado’s paradise, and the Lobster Place, a fish market known for its Maine lobster rolls and raw bar stocked with fresh-from-the-ocean delights. The Filling Station sells all-natural oils, vinegars, and salts, which customers are encouraged to take home using reusable bottles and jars.

75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

From $ 30

Bryant Park

Located between 40th and 42nd Street and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Bryant Park encompasses 9.6 acres of public green space and recreation. For those looking for a respite from the bustling city, Bryant Park provides a relaxed atmosphere with historical monuments, colorful flower beds, London plane trees, the 300-foot lawn and the Southwest Porch lounge where you can relax on rockers and swings and enjoy free wireless. Play games like chess, backgammon and ping pong or get a free petanque lesson Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm. For something whimsical, Bryant Park also features a timeless carousel. In the winter, the park is full of festive cheer with an ice skating rink as well as a makeshift village of “streets” lined with artisanal holiday shops. And no matter what time of year it is, visitors can enjoy quality food and drinks in the park. While Bryant Park Grill features American cuisine and a rooftop for aerial city views, Bryant Park Cafe is an informal outdoor cafe. Moreover, ‘wichcraft kiosks litter the grounds and offer seasonal snacks, sandwiches, soups and salads. To get to Bryant Park, take the B,D,F, or M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park or the 7 to Fifth Avenue.

41 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018, USA

From $ 25

David Geffen Hall

Formerly known as Avery Fisher Hall, David Geffen Hall is home to the famous New York Philharmonic orchestra. It received a new name in 2015 as part of a $500 million fundraising effort to go toward renovations. The American businessman, David Geffen, gave $100 million for naming rights and to help the hall continue to host its musical and cultural acts.

Since its original opening in 1962, this 2,738-seat hall has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and is often used for film premieres, graduations, and local events. It’s the New York Philharmonic, however, that most often uses the space, which having been founded in 1842 is America’s oldest major orchestra.

Insider's Tip: Children under 4 years old are not allowed to attend evening performances.

Practical Info

David Geffen Hall is located in the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts. The hall is located on the north side of the complex, and has a café that is open until the intermission of all events. Wheelchair accessible seating is available, and the best place for dropping somebody off is at Columbus Avenue and 64th Street. The center has dedicated parking lots and you should call ahead to reserve a space.

10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York, USA 10023, USA

From $ 56

Castle Clinton National Monument

Before Ellis Island there was Castle Clinton. This historic Lower Manhattan destination once served as the first immigration stop for foreigners moving to the U.S., with some 8 million people passing through its doors between 1855 and 1890. And while the iconic brick building has had many lives—as a beer garden, theater and even an aquarium—today it serves as a national monument and museum.

Visitors tend to agree that while Castle Clinton holds a historic place in the story of New York City and is certainly worth checking out, the interior offers only a couple of displays that showcases stories of the Big Apple. Travelers heading to the Statue of Liberty can purchase tickets inside and make Castle Clinton part of the Battery Park experience.

Practical Info

Castle Clinton is located in Battery Park in Lower Manhattan.

Battery Park, New York, New York, USA, USA

Open daily 7:45am-5pm

From $ 18

Central Park

The heart and soul of Manhattan, Central Park is 843 acres (341 hectares) of green space featuring running paths, a boating lake, ponds, a zoo, fountains, statues, gardens, and a skating rink. New Yorkers and visitors alike have gathered at this National Historic Landmark year-round since 1857 to enjoy a respite from Manhattan’s concrete jungle.

The Basics

Central Park has something for everyone. Visit Bethesda Fountain, the Strawberry Fields monument, or the Alice in Wonderland statue; enjoy kid-friendly fun on the carousel at the Central Park Zoo; sail model boats at the Conservatory Water pond; or simply enjoy people-watching at Bethesda Terrace or Sheep Meadow. The park’s size can be overwhelming, so consider a park bike tour, a walking tour, or a pedicab tour for a guided experience. Bike rentals are also available for those who prefer to explore on their own.

Things to Know Before You Go

Several spots offer information about the park: the Dairy Visitor Center, Belvedere Castle, the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the Chess & Checkers House, and the Columbus Circle information kiosk.
No parking is available in the park, but parking garages are nearby.
Wheelchairs can be used on many paths, but there are stairs around the park, so consider starting at an information center to pick up a map.

How to Get There

Central Park is bordered by 59th Street, Central Park West, 110th Street, and Fifth Avenue, making it reachable on foot from many Manhattan neighborhoods. Otherwise, hop off the subway at Columbus Circle or Fifth Avenue to enter the park from the south, where you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore via a traditional form of transportation.

When to Get There

The park is open daily from 6am to 1am. It’s a can’t-miss attraction at any time of year, but to enjoy a classic New York City activity such as ice skating at Wollman Rink or watching a performance of Shakespeare in the Park, you’ll want to visit during the appropriate season (winter and summer, respectively).

Museums Surrounding Central Park

Many of New York City’s top museums lie just on the edges of Central Park, most notably on Manhattan’s famed Museum Mile, a stretch of Fifth Avenue that’s home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Cooper Hewitt, the Smithsonian Design Museum, the Jewish Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Neue Galerie New York. On the other side of the park, you’ll find the American Museum of Natural History.

W. 59th Street, 10018, USA

Open 24 hours daily

Free

From $ 6

East Village

One of Manhattan’s most vibrant neighborhoods, the East Village has a storied history of New York’s counterculture, art and literature movements, and social and political acts including riots and protests. It was here that punk rock, experimental theater, and even Andy Warhol shows took root in New York City. As such, the area is considered a large contributor the arts and culture of the United States. Museums, libraries, festivals, and theaters can still be found in great number. It is also known for its thriving bar and budget restaurant scene.

The East Village was first developed as an artistic community in the 1950s with its affordable housing costs attracting many students, musicians, and alternative lifestyles. It is known still for its artistic attitude, nightlife, and diversity, though some would argue that the gentrification of the city is changing its culture.

Practical Info

The East Village is situated east of Broadway and the Bowery between 14th Street and Houston Street.

New York City, New York, USA, USA

From $ 20

Coney Island

When sweltering summer temperatures hit the city, New Yorkers flock to this kitschy seaside resort. As well as a boardwalk and almost 3 miles (5 kilometers) of sandy beach, Coney Island is home to roller coasters and amusements, New York Aquarium, and Nathan’s Famous, a landmark hot dog joint that started out as a stand in 1916.

The Basics

Wading into the Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island is a quintessential New York experience. Visitors can book a day pass for Luna Park amusement park and try out retro rides, such as the antique B&B Carousell and the Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster that dates back to 1927, as well as playing classic arcade games like Whac-a-Mole.

Travelers can explore Coney Island on guided sightseeing and pizza-themed tours of Brooklyn, as well as on multiborough tours that hop between neighborhoods in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. Coney Island can also be seen from the water during Jet Ski tours and from the air during helicopter tours over NYC.

Things to Know Before You Go

Coney Island is a must for fans of kitsch and Americana.
Public bathrooms can be found at the beach.
The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, as is the beach. Beach mats are set up at West 33rd Street, Stillwell Avenue, and West Fifth Street.

How to Get There

Coney Island is in southwest Brooklyn. To get there, ride the D, Q, N, or F train to the last stop: Stillwell Avenue. The station is just a block away from the boardwalk.

When to Get There

When New York heats up, Coney Island draws crowds. Get there early in the day to secure a spot near the water. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty: between 10am and 6pm, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Events at Coney Island

Coney Island is the setting for many exciting events. There’s May’s Popular Brooklyn Half, a half-marathon with a finish line on the boardwalk; the glitter-fueled fun of June’s Coney Island Mermaid Parade; and Nathan’s Famous Annual Hot Dog–Eating Contest on July 4. There are also fireworks every Friday night from late June until Labor Day, and the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day, during which swimmers brave the freezing Atlantic waters.

USA

From $ 44

Chelsea

Located on the West Side between 14th and 29th Streets and Broadway and the Hudson River, Chelsea is Manhattan’s art mecca. Renowned for having the highest concentration of art galleries in the city, visitors can easily spend the day browsing free-to-enter creative spaces, especially on 20th through 29th streets between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues. Some notable galleries to check out include the Barbara Gladstone Gallery featuring contemporary pieces from big names, Zach Feuer Gallery which showcases edgier works by up-and-coming artists and Interart Gallery housing paintings from European surrealists painters. Even beyond the galleries the neighborhood is creative. For example, you’ll find the High Line, an elevated urban park on an abandoned rail line with beautiful gardens and public art, Trapeze School New York where you can watch and learn the performance art of high wire acts and the Upright Citizens Brigade, which showcases improv, sketch and stand-up comedy. For artisanal food and drinks, Chelsea Brewing Company serves gourmet pub food and microbrews right on the water, Zou Zou’s Café is a French-inspired cafe showcasing pottery and live music on weekends and the Gallow Green rooftop lounge features aerial views, handcrafted cocktails and a bohemian atmosphere.

To get to Chelsea, take the N,Q,R,W to Unique Square; F,L,V to Sixth Avenue ; 1,2,3 to 14th Street; A,C,E,L to Eighth Avenue-14th Street; 1 to 18th, 23rd or 28th Street; F,V, R, W, C, E to 23rd Street ; R,W to 28th Street

USA

From $ 35

Columbia University

Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York, and the fifth oldest in the USA. Fans of history and of architecture will be interested in the university’s historic buildings, which have been highlighted in many feature films. Most notable is Low Memorial Library, which appears in the New York City Register of Historic Places. Built in the Roman classical style, the former library now contains the university’s visitor center and its administration offices.

Just below the library is a large plaza – a popular gathering place for students. Past a promenade (called College Walk) is the south campus where Butler Library, Columbia’s main library, stands. South campus also contains the student center, student residences, classroom buildings, and the Graduate School of Journalism. North of Low Library is Pupin Hall, a national historic landmark due to the atomic research done there by Columbia's scientists. East of Low Library is St. Paul's Chapel, which also appears in New York City’s Register of Historic Places.

The university also has many modern buildings, and visitors can download an audio walking tour of the architecture to their audio devices. The tour is guided by Andrew Dolkart, an architectural historian and a professor of architectural history at Columbia. Starting at the visitors center in Low Library, the tour includes almost two dozen stops at the university’s architectural highlights.

Practical Info

Groups smaller than ten people may feel free to tour the campus on their own. Maps and other materials for self-guided tours are available online and at the university’s visitors center. Visitors with disabilities may request an accessible campus tour (three weeks advance notice is required). The visitors center is open Monday – Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The only building visitors without a Columbia ID are allowed to enter is Low Library.

16th St & Broadway, New York City, New York, USA 10027, USA

Visitor Center open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

From $ 40

Cathedral of St John the Divine

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is one of the oldest buildings in Morningside Heights (a neighborhood in Manhattan’s Upper West Side) and is the home of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. The historic cathedral is not only one of the oldest buildings in the area – it’s one of the most secretive. A tour through the cathedral yields the perceptive visitor many visual treasures, from a rare gold triptych by Keith Haring (his last work before his death) to an unusual sculpture of the Archangel Michael, the decapitated head of Satan, and nine giraffes (!).

The cathedral is home the largest rose window in the United States (the fifth-largest in the world), constructed from 10,000 stained-glass pieces. Other stained-glass windows depict historic, religious, and modern scenes. The cathedral is also one of the few buildings in Manhattan that allows visitors to access its roof, which provides a fantastic view of the New York City skyline. Visitors may also walk through the cathedral’s ‘biblical garden,’ where all the plants are species mentioned in the bible, and check out the peacocks, the impressive fountain, and the honeybees.

Practical Info

Please note that there is limited access to the cathedral on Sundays – full access is only between 1 and 3 p.m. The grounds and gardens are open during daylight hours. The cathedral is wheelchair accessible from the upper driveway, on Amsterdam Avenue between 111th and 112th streets. Lifts inside provide access to eastern areas of the Cathedral.

1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York City, New York, USA 10025, USA

The cathedral is open 7:30am-6pm daily. The visitors’ center is open 9am-5pm daily.

From $ 29